Benjamin U. Jackson

In Memoriam: Benjamin U Jackson
Benjamin U Jackson passed away peacefully at the age of 101, surrounded by his family, close friends and members of his Fellowship Community.
Ben Jackson was born on September 16, 1924, to William (Bill) and Nellie Jackson in Spring Lake, New Jersey. He was one of seven children and was predeceased by all his siblings. Throughout his life, Ben cherished the bonds he shared with his family, both immediate and extended.
Ben was the proud father of seven children, raised in Chatham Township. NJ: Bing, Sophia, Leslee, Mark, Ina, Nell, and Paul. His legacy continues through 15 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. He was blessed with loving in-laws, including MaryAnn Jackson, Jim Hannah, Tony Antoun, Gary Len, and Melissa Jackson. Ben considered himself fortunate to be surrounded by a large and devoted family; he instilled the importance of family connections, especially as the "last man standing" in his generational cohort.
Ben spent his final years at Fellowship Village, a senior living facility in Basking Ridge, NJ. He often referred to Fellowship as his "last stop" and described it as a dream for seniors, offering good food, many friends, caring staff, lively entertainment, and a comforting sense of community.
Growing up in Spring Lake, Ben was known as an outstanding athlete in the shore area. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, he eagerly awaited the opportunity to enlist in the Marine Corps. At 17 years old (at the end of his junior year at Manasquan High School), he joined the military. His eldest sister, Dorothea, received his diploma on his behalf. Ben was the only member of his class to serve in combat at that time. Before turning 20, he fought on five islands in the South Pacific and five in the Philippines. Though he spoke sparingly of his wartime experiences, it was clear that the war left a profound mark on him, shaping his life and remaining a source of pride. Ben was honored by the Marine League of NJ in November 2024 at the 249th NJ Marine Ball held in Edison, NJ His service was also recognized on September 2025 when he served honorably as a Grand Marshall in the Basilone Parade held in Raritan, NJ.
After World War II, Ben attended Ben Franklin Prep, the College of Forestry, and Syracuse University. Upon completing his education, he dedicated his career to Emil A. Schroth, Inc., (as did his eldest, Bing) in a family business founded by his wife's parents, Mildred and Emil Schroth.
Ben met his beloved wife, Nancy Schroth, in the fourth grade, and their lifelong relationship was a great romance. He cared for Nancy during the last ten years of her life, until her passing at age 78.
Ben's love for sports endured throughout his life. Skiing was his greatest passion, and he continued to ski into his eighties. He enjoyed golf and was a charter member of Fairmount Country Club in Chatham, as well as a member of Baltusrol Country Club in Summit. Ben was an avid fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers and, after their "heart breaking" departure, became a dedicated Mets supporter.
Remarkably, Ben began practicing karate at the age of 78, training with Gary Alexander, a Black Belt Hall of Fame instructor and fellow Marine. He continued his marine-style workouts until age 80, aspiring to earn his own black belt.
Known for his playful and approachable nature, Ben's warm sense of humor was ever-present. He had an uncanny knack for remembering everyone's names, even after a first contact. He was called "Pookie" by his grandchildren and the many who felt affectionately toward him. He expressed deep gratitude for the love and support he received from his children, grand and great grandchildren, step grand and great grandchildren, godchildren, nieces and nephews, work colleagues/employees and the many friendships he cultivated at Fellowship. Ben valued the close relationships he maintained. In later life, he enjoyed a relationship with Betty McGeehan whom he felt blessed to grow old with. He was especially touched by the unrelenting care provided by his four daughters.
Ben Jackson's life was marked by love, resilience, and commitment to family and community. He is remembered for his gratitude, his generosity, his welcoming spirit, and the lasting impact he had on all who knew him. The way Ben lived was inspirational; he showed us that it is possible to live a lifetime fully engaged in love, work and play!
Visiting hours at Wm. A. Bradley & Son Funeral Home, 345 Main St. in Chatham are on Sunday, November 2nd from 2 to 5pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at Corpus Christi Church, 234 Southern Blvd. in Chatham on Monday, November 3rd at 10am. Interment is private.
In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Ben may be made to NAMI- National Alliance of Mentally Ill at 1) www.donate.NAMI.org, 2) 1-888-999-NAMI, or 3) Mail: P.O. Box 49104, Baltimore, MD 21297.